If you’re a fan of cozy autumn mornings or crave the warming spices of pumpkin pie all year long, you’ll fall head over heels for Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup. This breakfast dazzler transforms humble bread into thick, custard-dipped slices, laced with pumpkin and spice, crowned with a buttery pumpkin syrup you’ll want to drizzle on everything. It’s the ultimate treat for weekends, holiday brunches, or anytime your kitchen needs a little extra comfort and magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple ingredients come together in such a magical way. Each element, from the fluffy bread to the spiced pumpkin purée, brings a vital note to the symphony of flavors and colors in Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup.
- Thick-cut bread: Use sturdy slices like brioche or Texas toast so they soak up the custard without getting soggy—day-old is best!
- Eggs: The backbone of great French toast, giving structure and rich texture to each bite.
- Milk: Helps create a creamy, smooth custard for soaking the bread; whole or 2% both work beautifully.
- Canned pumpkin purée: Adds unmistakable pumpkin flavor and a gorgeous autumn hue to both the toast and the syrup.
- Brown sugar: Brings a caramelized sweetness that enhances all the spice and pumpkin notes.
- Vanilla extract: Rounds out the flavors and ties the French toast and syrup together in perfect harmony.
- Pumpkin pie spice: This spice blend infuses every bite with cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove—no pumpkin dish is complete without it!
- Salt: A pinch elevates all the flavors and keeps the sweetness in check.
- Butter or oil: Ensures your French toast turns out golden and crisp on the outside.
- Maple syrup: Forms the gooey, sweet backbone of your homemade pumpkin syrup—the real stuff is worth it.
How to Make Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup
Step 1: Create the Pumpkin Custard
Start by grabbing a shallow bowl and cracking in the eggs, then add your milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt. Whisk it all together until you have a smooth, creamy mixture. This custard is the secret weapon for French toast that tastes like pumpkin pie in every forkful.
Step 2: Soak the Bread
Dip each slice of bread into the custard mixture, letting it soak for a few seconds on each side. Let the bread drink up all that pumpkin goodness—you want it custardy but not falling apart!
Step 3: Cook to Golden Perfection
Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and add a little butter or oil. Place your soaked bread slices onto the hot surface and cook for 3 to 4 minutes per side. Watch as they turn golden and aromatic, filling your kitchen with irresistible fall scents.
Step 4: Whip Up the Pumpkin Syrup
While the French toast cooks, prepare the true showstopper: homemade pumpkin syrup. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, whisk together maple syrup, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and a pinch of salt until everything is velvety smooth. Warm it just until heated through—about 3 to 4 minutes—and don’t let it boil.
Step 5: Serve and Savor
Stack those slices high on a plate, pour over your lush homemade pumpkin syrup, and finish with an optional shower of whipped cream or crunchy pecans. Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup is ready to make any morning unforgettable!
How to Serve Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup
Garnishes
Jazz up your plates with a generous cloud of whipped cream, a handful of toasted pecans, or even a dusting of extra pumpkin pie spice. For a real feast for the eyes, a light drizzle of pumpkin syrup on top makes every bite as beautiful as it is delicious.
Side Dishes
This French toast is rich and satisfying, but pairs wonderfully with a simple fruit salad, crispy bacon, or savory breakfast sausage. If you’re indulging for brunch, a steaming mug of good coffee or a spicy chai latte belongs right alongside.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup into a brunch showpiece. Stack it high and slice it like a cake, layer with whipped cream for a “French toast trifle,” or even cut slices into fingers for dunking—kids love it and grown-ups do, too!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover French toast or syrup (lucky you!), let the slices cool completely before wrapping and stashing them in an airtight container in the fridge. The syrup can be poured into a small jar or container and chilled separately for up to 4 days.
Freezing
French toast slices freeze surprisingly well! Arrange slices in a single layer on a baking sheet until firm, then stack in a freezer bag or container with parchment between. The homemade pumpkin syrup, however, is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze small portions for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat French toast in a toaster or on a skillet over low heat to restore its crisp edges. Warm the pumpkin syrup gently in a saucepan or microwave—give it a good stir before pouring. Breakfast will taste as dreamy as the first time!
FAQs
Can I make Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just substitute your favorite gluten-free bread (make sure it’s thick-cut and sturdy). All the other ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you won’t miss out on any flavor.
What type Breakfast
Brioche and Texas toast are classic for their soft, thick slices that absorb custard without falling apart, but challah or any sturdy white bread works beautifully. The key is to use bread that’s slightly stale for the best texture.
Can I use fresh pumpkin instead of canned pumpkin purée?
Yes! Roast and purée fresh pumpkin until smooth, then use it in place of canned. Just make sure your purée isn’t watery—a thick, rich purée gives the syrup and toast their luscious consistency.
How can I make the homemade pumpkin syrup ahead of time?
Simply follow the syrup instructions, let it cool, and store it in a covered jar in the fridge for up to 4 days. Warm gently when ready to use, and always give it a good stir before serving.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Of course! This recipe scales up easily—just double all the ingredients and use a large griddle or cook in batches. Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup is always a hit at gatherings and brunches.
Final Thoughts
If you’re longing for a breakfast that turns an ordinary morning into something magical, don’t wait another day to try Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup. It’s pure comfort on a plate, and sharing it with family or friends makes it even sweeter. Your kitchen is about to smell like fall’s favorite bakery, and I promise you’ll want to make this recipe again and again!
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Pumpkin Pie French Toast with Homemade Pumpkin Syrup Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Breakfast
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the flavors of fall with this delicious Pumpkin Pie French Toast served with a homemade Pumpkin Syrup. Perfect for a cozy breakfast or brunch, this recipe combines the warmth of pumpkin spice with the comfort of French toast.
Ingredients
For the French toast:
- 8 slices thick-cut bread (like brioche or Texas toast)
- 4 large eggs
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1/2 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- butter or oil, for cooking
For the pumpkin syrup:
- 1/2 cup maple syrup
- 1/4 cup canned pumpkin purée
- 1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the French toast: In a shallow bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, pumpkin purée, brown sugar, vanilla extract, pumpkin pie spice, and salt until smooth. Dip each slice of bread into the mixture, allowing it to soak for a few seconds per side.
- Cook the French toast: Heat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat and lightly grease with butter or oil. Cook the soaked bread slices for 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Make the pumpkin syrup: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine the maple syrup, pumpkin purée, pumpkin pie spice, vanilla, and salt. Whisk until smooth and heat until just warmed through, about 3–4 minutes.
- Serve: Serve the French toast warm, drizzled with pumpkin syrup and topped with whipped cream or chopped pecans if desired.
Notes
- You can use day-old bread for best results.
- Leftover pumpkin syrup can be stored in the fridge and reheated gently.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 slices with syrup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 10g
- Cholesterol: 140mg
